Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Serenity Moses Basket - Free Crochet Pattern

As I wrote before in my other cradle pattern, I felt there was a big gap missing with free angel baby bed patterns. In fact, after some searching it appears that there just isn't that many out there, much less any that are free. I decided this needs to change and after talking with some lovely ladies and playing with ideas, I have decided to create an entire line of Moses basket patterns specifically for wee ones.

It breaks my heart to think that hundreds of babies every week come into this world sleeping and the parents have no bed to rest them in. That needs to change and in order for that to happen, there needs to be free access to patterns for people to make and donate.

My goal is 10 Moses basket/Cradle patterns but who knows, I may get even more. A variety of styles and sizes is important too as well as variations on trim, so you can expect a heap of patterns and pieces to help make these beds as comfortable and sweet as possible.

Of course Ill also be adding patterns for other things in there as well. In fact I have a cowl, a 20week beanie and another rattle ready to go, I just need to finalise the patterns and double check for errors.

Ok so enough chatter and on to today's pattern! This cradle measures just over 30cm in length and should comfortably fit a baby up to 20weeks gestation. It is quite simple to make but does require you use 2 strands of yarn as one, this helps get the thickness required to keep the sides up. Read the pattern carefully, some rows are a mix of hdc and dc (this is to obtain width without extra length and make the oval more ovalish)

For the base: If you choose to make it like mine (other options down the page)
Cardboard as large as the bed base
2 pieces of felt as large as the bed base
Glue (I used a hot glue gun, simply because it dries faster and I was using it to add the flowers anyway)
Sewing machine or a needle and thread to hand sew

Small flowers to decorate

Bed Base:With your 5mm hook and 2 strands of white:

1: ch18, dc 3 times in the 3rd chain from hook, dc in the next 14 chains, 4dc in the end chain, DO NOT TURN, working round the corner, on the opposite side of the chain, dc in the next 14 stitches, join.

2: ch3, dc in the same stitch, 2dc in each of the next 3 stitches, dc in the next 14 stitches, 2dc in the next 4 stitches, dc in the next 14, join

3: ch2, hdc in the same st, *hdc, 2hdc in the next stitch* 4 times (total of 12hdc) dc in the next 13 stitches, *2hdc in the next stitch, hdc* 4 times (12 hdc) dc in the next 14 stitches, join

13: ch2, hdc in the next 48, dc in the next 28 stitches, hdc in the remaining stitches, join

14: Repeat row 13. After joining, end off the white, and weave in ends.

TRIM: With contrasting colour and 4.5mm hook

1. Join contrasting colour to the back loop of any stitch from the last row. sc in the back loop only all the way around, join

2: sl st down into the FRONT loop (unused from the last round), *ch8, sk1, slst in the next* repeat around to make a loopy edge. Join.

3: sl st down into the bottom of the first loop from the previous row (I did 4slst to get there without bunching the loop *ch8, slst in the bottom of the ch8 loop from the previous row* Repeat around, join. End off and weave in ends.

The Base:

Honestly, there are a lot of ways you could make a base for these beds. I used what I had on hand and what I could source without breaking the budget. You COULD use: Thin foam (yoga mats/camp mats work well for this), a few layers of craft foam, a mattress sewn and stuffed, plastic mesh craft board or Im sure many number of other items. For me, I used Cardboard, felt and stuffing, as I always have that on hand. Here is how I did it.

1. Trace the base of the bed onto cardboard to get the size. Cut out the cardboard inside the line you drew. Double check it fits in the base of the bed, you want it snug, but not too snug that it wont fit once its covered.

2: Using glue (I hot glued, glue guns = fast work and quick drying) glue down a piece of felt that is larger then the cardboard base on one side of the cardboard.

3. Flip the cardboard over and spread out a layer of glue on the top side. Now working quickly before it dries stick down a thin layer of stuffing. Batting for quilts would work just as well but again, I didn't have any on hand.

4. Add some more glue to the top of the stuffing and press down a top layer of felt.

TADDA You have a felt/cardboard/stuffing/glue sandwich! Yes yes, its full of fibre *hardy har* Don't eat it!

5. Using the sewing machine (or you can hand stitch) sew around the edge of the bed. If you butt the cardboard up against the machine foot it will be close and you can follow the base around very easily.
Trim off any excess.

I decided at this point I needed to make it a bit neater, so I went back and did a zigzag around the end to seal it all. If you have a overlocker then use that. If you hand stitch, then a blanket stitch will achieve the same results.

Thats it! You have one mattress that is both soft and sturdy and will make a great base for the cradle.

Slide the base inside. While you have that gluegun out, hot glue on any decorations you wish to use. I spaced out some small fabric daisies around the edge.

Congrats, You now have a completed Moses Basket! It is a little time consuming, but definitely worth the effort!

Thank you SO much for all these wonderful patterns, which I'm using to make items to donate to my local hospitals via a charity :) I just have a query on this pattern.. I hope that's ok.? I'm probably being silly.. When you do row 3 , do you leave some stitches unworked when joining to finish? I count 44 stitches at the end of my row 2, which I think does match the pattern.. But in the pattern for row 4 it suggests only using 36 of the stitches before joining? I've ended up with unworked stitches for every round following row 3 - I feel really silly and I'm sure I'm making some huge error! But if you could please please spare the time to help, I would so appreciate it .. as this is the best pattern I've found and our local areas are desperate for bigger cribs! I love your tiny cradle, it worked out wonderfully. Thank you again for being so generous and donating your lovely patterns xx

So very sorry for the late reply, its been pretty busy here! 44 stitches at the end of row 2 is correct. By the time you have your increases in round 3 done you should have 52 stitchesFor round 4, you will use the first 12 stitches for increases, the next 14 for dc stitches, the next 12 for increases and the last 14 for more dc's which will use all 52 stitches from round 3 :)Hope that helps. :)

As for larger beds, Its something Ive been working on, but its a matter of finding the right combination of sizing and base vs baby weight. It needs to be able to be sturdy enough for a larger baby.

Have you tried making any of your beds with fabric yarn? I am trying to make a full size Moses basket for my baby due in May and I came across upcycling bed sheets into fabric yarn. My dilemma has been finding a pattern and I am thrilled to have come across your site! Thank you for doing what you do!!!

Thanks for all the patterns you post for free. I love to crochet and often times people will request things that they have seen and I have no idea where to begin. Your blog is so easy to follow and accurate. I used Bernat Baby Blanket yarn and a p hook to make this a larger size. Thanks again!!

Thank you Mamma for this pattern. I am from the USA and I have a hard time following your yarn type/size. I crochet for a group near me that serve families who are going to or who have lost a baby. I crochet gowns, bonnets, blankets and wraps. I have made baskets for photo props for them made with thick cord wrapped in thin fleece like fabric but I am a crocheter. I gave your pattern a try using 2 strands of a medium US yarn. It turned out bulky and thick. I went with it and skipped some rounds in the base. I like the way it turned out but it is not delicate like yours.

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